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About YEP

Empowering a
Connected Community

Building leaders and inspiring progress, one professional at a time since 2010.

Mission & Vision

Our Mission & Vision

A Community Built on Purpose

Your Ethiopian Professionals (YEP) is dedicated to inspiring, educating, and empowering Ethiopian and Ethiopian-American professionals to reach their full potential while making a meaningful impact in their communities. Through connection, mentorship, and professional development, YEP fosters leadership, collaboration, and shared success across industries and career stages.

YEP envisions a strong, connected community where ideas, skills, and resources are shared to uplift individuals and enrich lives. By building leaders and inspiring progress, YEP continues to create a lasting legacy of opportunity, growth, and excellence for generations to come.

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5,000+Members Worldwide
150+Events Hosted
15+Years of Impact
100+Distinguished Speakers
Our Story

A Community Legacy Begins

Founded in 2010 by Mesfin Getaneh and Shimelse Mekonnen, YEP was created to address a clear gap: the need for a broad, inclusive platform where Ethiopian professionals could connect, grow, and give back. While many organizations focused on specific industries, YEP was built to bring together professionals from all backgrounds in a shared space rooted in mentorship, development, and collective advancement. Early contributions from Lulit Tesfaye helped shape this vision and strengthen its foundation.

What began as a small group of passionate leaders has grown into a vibrant network of over 5,000 members. Today, YEP delivers impactful experiences through leadership forums, workshops, conferences, and community events. Guided by its founding values, YEP continues to evolve alongside its members, empowering professionals to learn, lead, and contribute to a stronger shared future.

The Beginning
YEP is founded to create a space where Ethiopian professionals can connect, grow, and give back.
A Community Takes Shape
Early gatherings bring together a small but committed group, laying the foundation for a growing network.
A Signature Celebration Emerges
The YEP Gala becomes a cornerstone event, bringing the community together to celebrate achievement and connection.
Expanding Leadership Spaces
Women Power Hour is introduced, creating a dedicated platform for professional women.
Investing in Growth
Workshops and career development initiatives expand to support professionals across industries.
A National Platform
The YEP Conference brings together professionals for high-impact learning and networking.
Global Reach
Virtual programming expands YEP's reach beyond geography, connecting a global diaspora.
A Defining Milestone
YEP grows to over 5,000 members, continuing to build toward its next chapter.
Leadership

Leadership & Team

YEP is guided by a dedicated group of founders, board members, and leaders who are committed to advancing the organization's mission and impact.

Board
Mesfin Getaneh
Mesfin GetanehFounder & Board ChairElectrical Engineer | Intellectual Property
Shimelse Mekonnen
Shimelse MekonnenFounder & Board MemberInternational Trade & Data Analytics Consultant
Lulit Tesfaye
Lulit TesfayeFounder & Board MemberVP, Knowledge & Data Management
Sinafik Gebru
Sinafik GebruBoard MemberVP Account Executive
Bemnet Yemesgen
Bemnet YemesgenBoard MemberCreative Director
Beza Worku
Beza WorkuBoard MemberChief Product Officer
Leadership Team
Sinafik Gebru
Sinafik GebruExecutive Director
Aster Mengesha
Aster MengeshaDeputy Executive Director
Redate Haile
Redate HailePrograms Director
Team
Bethlehem Demissie
Bethlehem DemissieCareer Program Coordinator
Nardos Tamrat
Nardos TamratCareer Program Coordinator
Meron Desta
Meron DestaCareer Program Coordinator
Anteneh Yalew
Anteneh YalewCareer Program Coordinator
Dinia Abduljelil
Dinia AbduljelilCareer Program Coordinator
Kirubel Demissew
Kirubel DemissewEvent Program Coordinator
Bethlehem Almaw
Bethlehem AlmawEvent Program Coordinator
Beza Ayele
Beza AyeleEvent Program Coordinator
Selamawit Gizatu
Selamawit GizatuEvent Program Coordinator
Amanuel Zegeye
Amanuel ZegeyeEvent Program Coordinator
What We Stand For

Our Values

Everything we do at YEP is guided by these principles:

👥Community FirstWe believe in the power of connection and collective advancement across the Ethiopian diaspora.
⚡EmpowermentWe equip professionals with the tools, support, and opportunities to grow and lead with confidence.
🌍Diaspora ImpactWe drive meaningful change that extends from local communities to the global Ethiopian diaspora.
💡InnovationWe embrace new ideas and evolving technologies to continuously grow with our community.
Get Involved

Be Part of YEP

Join 5,000+ professionals building community across the Ethiopian diaspora.

Become a Member Volunteer with Us
💼

Career Growth

Resume help, interview prep, coaching, and job placement support.

🌐

Network

Access 5,000+ professionals across every industry, nationwide.

📅

Events

Attend galas, conferences, workshops, and mixers throughout the year.

🤝

Connection

Build relationships that go beyond networking, from future collaborators and business partners to lifelong friends.